My name is Clara and I am a mermaid in Singapore. No, that isn’t a euphemism, and yes, it means big tail, shell top, shiny highlighter, the works. However, my aquatic adventures have mostly been confined to swimming pools and the occasional aquarium.

So why do we travel? The common response may vary along the lines of: to relax, to explore a new city, to spice up a stagnant routine, to escape Monday blues at the office, to check out a cool place we saw on Instagram. The list goes on.

We looked at the stars... or was that the sun? And have been blessed with blinding—and quite frankly unignorable visions of the travel fortunes of all Zodiac signs for the Year of the Dog. Our visions are supported and backed by credible sources such as the fortune teller that reads palms just below my office after 7 p.m. Perhaps I should also ask him to predict my surprise travel destinations before I make the booking for my weekend getaway!

Our writer Matthew booked a ticket into the unknown and found himself scaling volcanos, making new friends, and discovering not-so-fun sides to his spontaneous adventure. Yes, he almost died. But he lived another day to share his story of why we should still be exploring, not following.

Whether is it a delayed flight or being stuck on an inhibited island alone, this perfect travel companion takes you places, worlds, and dimensions. All you need is your imagination. Find out who or what it is, and how it takes you places even a boarding pass cannot.